The Regulars Update is a monthly newssheet (except for January) containing items which are of interest to the Service and ex-Service community.  It is distributed to politicians, media outlets, senior Service officers and RDFWA branches.  Branches are encouraged to distribute Update further, such as by email, to Association members and other interested people or organisations.  Update is also posted on the RDFWA website.

 F-111 WORKERS TO RECEIVE ONGOING HEALTH CARE

The Association welcomes the decision that F-111 aircraft maintenance workers found ineligible for statutory compensation will have continued access to government-funded health care under the Study of Health Outcomes in Aircraft Maintenance Personnel (SHOAMP) Health Care Scheme.  First established in 2001 to provide interim health care while statutory compensation was determined, eligibility under the Scheme ceased if an individual’s compensation claim was unsuccessful.

This decision allows civilians and serving and former members of the ADF who were involved in F-111 aircraft maintenance programs at Amberley RAAF Base to continue to receive treatment for conditions related to their involvement, even if the conditions have not been accepted under the statutory compensation schemes.  The new arrangements also extend eligibility for the Better Health Program, a health screening program, to eligible SHOAMP Health Care Scheme participants. 

review of military superannuation

The Government has announced yet another review of military superannuation.  The review will be led by Mr Andrew Podger AO, a former Public Service Commissioner with strategic Defence experience.  He will be assisted by Dr David Knox, a recognised superannuation expert and former APRA Board member, and Air Commodore Lee Roberts CSC who will provide advice about ADF personnel and bring a military perspective to the review team.

The review team will consult widely with members of the ADF, who will be able to contribute through their Service Personnel offices, consultations at major Defence facilities or via Defence’s website.  The review team will also consult with representative Ex-Service Organisations, the wider Defence community, superannuation industry bodies and other Government departments.  The report will be completed in mid-2007 and submitted for Government consideration.

Whilst the Association welcomes the aims of this review, it remains frustrated that the Government has refused to review the current method of indexation of defence pensions even after two Parliamentary inquiries found that the current method of indexation (CPI) was inadequate to maintain a reasonable level of living standards. 

The reluctance of the Government to act on the Committees’ recommendations remains a continuing source of grievance for all those in receipt of a Commonwealth funded superannuation pension.  This inquiry allows the case to be strongly argued before the Review Team. 

In its submission to the Review Team, the Association will also be raising a number of significant anomalies in the existing Defence superannuation schemes, as well as introducing a number of new ideas relevant to the future of military superannuation.

It is very hard not to be cynical and our basic point is the government doesn’t need a “review”.  They have a large resource at their immediate disposal to conduct research, analyse the results of previous studies and develop solutions.  They have established connections with Ex-Service Organisations and the superannuation industry from which to get advice.  They have been continually lobbied about the super schemes deficiencies but have declined to listen or accept there are issues to be addressed. What is needed is the will to act now, not as part of their election brace of promises but to legislate the required changes and improvements before parliament is prorogued for the election.

However we have now been manoeuvred into a situation where we have to work hard and quickly to make a considered submission to the review team in the short time window available to us.   Our hope is that we can at least convince this review team of the validity of our points of view

 MINISTER’S ASSURANCES ABOUT THE PROPOSED ACCESS CARD

 The Association has received correspondence from the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs about the proposed Access card.  Minister Bilson has advised us that:

• The “Gold Card” will remain unique to the veteran community and its value retained.  There will be a gold Access Card for current DVA Gold Card holders. Current Gold Card holders will get a gold Access Card, unless they wish otherwise.  The computer chip on the card will be programmed by the Government with the Gold card entitlement.

• No‑one who is not entitled will receive a gold Access Card.  Current DVA card holders with markers on the face of their card such as War Widow. EDA or TPI will have these transferred to their Access Card.  These markers help veterans and war widow/ers access discounts and concessions.

• The new gold Access Card will function as a Gold card and also as a Medicare card, or a pension concession card or any of the cares planned for inclusion, depending on the individual's eligibility.  It will combine the functions of these cards into a single piece of plastic. 

• The introduction of the Access Card will not effect entitlements.  It will have no impact on any pension, health service, compensation, income support or other service or payment from the DVA or other agencies.  This includes private health treatment under existing DVA arrangements.

• The introduction of the Access Card will mean once ­only updating of change of address and family information.

• To get an Access Card, veterans will need to undertake a registration process.  The details of registration are still being worked through, but will involve completing a pre‑registration form, attending an interview, having a photo taken and being subsequently mailed the card.

The Association notes that Bills Digest issued on 14 March 2007 by the Department of Parliamentary Services advises that all holders of the Access Card will need to register, and it will be a complex process.  This may have significant implications for the elderly and the Association will keep a close watch on this and other matters.  However we understand the Minister is sensitive to the needs of these less mobile veterans and is looking at ways to help them get registered as easily as possible.

Although the legislation – the Human Services (Enhanced Service Delivery) Bill 2007 - has now been withdrawn for re-drafting to address some concerns of the Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee’s 15 March report, it remains the Government’s intention to have the system in place this year.

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